Once a household item, Johnson’s and Johnson’s baby powder has been under fire the past few years. Thousands of women and their families have sued the company due to the link between talcum and cervical cancer. Talc can travel to users’ ovaries and create inflammation. The company has been around since 1886. Families use their product from generation to generation. However, Johnson’s and Johnson’s has had its fair share of product recalls and legal disputes. The most recent have been reports of users being diagnosed with ovarian cancer after using their popular baby powder.
Overview of the Johnson and Johnson Talcum Powder Suits
- 2013- Deanne Berg won a lawsuit over asbestos-free talc powder and its connection to ovarian cancer.
- February 2016 - St. Louis court orders $72 million award to the family of Jacqueline Fox, who died from ovarian cancer.
- May 2016 - St. Louis court awards Gloria Ristesund a $55 million reward.
- October 2016 -St. Louis court awards $70.075 million to Deborah Giannecchini.
- March 2017 Over 1,000 women sued Johnson’s and Johnson’s.
- May 2017 - St. Louis court ordered Johnson & Johnson and it’s supplier, Imerys Talc American to pay $110 million to Lois Slemp.
- August 2017- $417 million awarded to Eva Echeverria after California trial.
- October 2017 -Missouri Eastern District appeals court threw out the February 2016 $72 million award to the family Jacqueline Fox.
Many people have avoided using any type of “baby powder” for themselves or their children. Other people have started to substitute with the cornstarch-based powders. But you may be wondering if cornstarch-based powders are safe?
What you need to know about cornstarch powder.
Since cornstarch is made with a food substance instead of a mineral, cornstarch powders don’t contain talc. Cornstarch, like talcum powder, can cause respiratory problems even in small amounts. According to the American Academy of Pediatrics, if inhaled cornstarch powder can be dangerous. Inhaled cornstarch powder can damage a baby’s growing lungs. If you do decide to use cornstarch powder be sure to keep it away from the infant’s face, as well as your own. Pour it into small amounts and avoid breathing it in.
If you’ve become sick or lost a loved one because of a recalled product contact the team at Maloney Law Group. We have experienced product liability lawyers. Sadly even the best companies make errors and have recalls. You and your family shouldn’t have to suffer in silence. At Maloney, we believe in finding you justice and doing what we can help you be whole again.